Assam: NSUI seeks tax-free status for Zubeen Garg's film "Roi Roi Binale" across India

The National Students' Union of India's Assam chapter has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant full GST exemption for an upcoming biographical film of legendary Assam icon Zubeen Garg.

 

The request comes at a significant moment for Assam's cultural landscape. Zubeen Garg, who passed away on September 19, 2025, remains a towering figure in Indian music, with his compositions and performances deeply woven into the region's identity.

 

Kaushik Kashyap Kalita, state president of the NSUI Assam chapter, made the plea in a letter to the Prime Minister's Office dated October 9. The appeal emphasises that removing both state and central GST would make the film accessible to audiences across the country, particularly those from economically weaker sections.

 

"Zubeen Da was more than a musician. He was a cultural ambassador who transcended regional boundaries," Kalita wrote, stressing how the artist's music unified diverse communities across India.

 

The NSUI argues that granting tax-free status would serve as recognition of Zubeen Garg's contributions to Indian arts while allowing millions of fans to engage with his story without financial barriers. Similar tax exemptions have been granted in India for films deemed culturally significant or historically important.

 

The film's release date and production details have not yet been publicly announced. The request now awaits consideration from the Prime Minister's Office.